Originally Posted by
ShotOne
Airliner interception training-what could possibly go wrong? Apart from quite a few collisions over the years. And a handful of accidental shoot-downs. I think it’s a no from me!
Don't confuse the 'handful' of accidental shoot downs with what happens on QRA. There is a very clear understanding that the aircraft are armed, which is why there will be a number of checks that all is 'switches safe'- the fighter is not going to get within 10 miles of an intercept without confirming that there is no prospect of an inadvertent weapon release - there are many checks and balances in the system. The pilots of these aircraft do not just make it up as they go.
What 'quite a few' collisions are we talking of here? Fighter vs airliner? Their pilots fly in close formation almost every day, and what collisions do occur tend to happen on the close formation environment. With the QRA scenario, they will not be allowed to close on their 'target' until they are in visual contact.
But don't worry about denying them the opportunity to practice - they will defend you anyway come the day. And for half your salary.